These open air spaces prove that luxe design moves are just as important outdoors as they are indoors. From grand gardens to pristine pools and patios, these elevated outdoor sanctuaries are inspiring and aspirational.
Just like inside, this backyard feels refined and quietly luxurious. Reminiscent of a European-style courtyard, the terrace has a striped awning above and herringbone pavers underfoot. Decorated in simple black, white and grey, it brings the style of the kitchen outdoors, but it’s practical, too: in a relatively small footprint, there are zones for cooking, dining and lounging, including what the homeowner calls his “cigar chair.”
In this tranquil backyard designed by landscape architect Ron Holbrook, the coffee table does double duty as a fire table when the cover comes off.
For this contemporary country home designed by Sam Sacks, luxe is an understatement. The serene pool reflects the surrounding hills and is bordered by thoughtful landscaping.
A view from indoors highlights the refined outdoor setting.
Playful sphere-shaped lights illuminate this contemporary patio, lending a magical touch. The woven details add texture and intrigue.
In this outdoor space, fountains punctuate a fieldstone wall inspired by a hotel in Italy, and create a soothing sound. The granite boulders look like they’ve naturally tumbled into the water, and were locally sourced for this weekend home.
Fire features are increasingly popular in gardens: they provide a warm focal point and draw people together. The impressive stone fireplace is the centrepiece of the outdoor lounge in this stately Toronto garden.
Pool safety is important, and following city bylaws doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics. The glass safety barrier is so sleek it’s practically invisible and doesn’t obscure the views of the pool.
Classic and visually soothing, symmetrical elements create order in a garden. In this Toronto home, the furniture is divided into two zones clustered at either end of the pool. To keep the vistas clear, boxwood shrubs are sunken directly into beds inset into the pool’s sandblasted Algonquin limestone deck.
Two statement trees tower above a meadow-like planting in this West Coast garden, softening the home’s contemporary, angular lines and adding height to the plantings. As these trees mature, they will provide a canopy of shade to keep the garden cool.
This Toronto backyard has clearly defined outdoor entertaining zones. The pizza oven and BBQ are is ideal for outdoor cooking, the dining table is the perfect spot to enjoy an open air meal and the comfortable lounge area offers a gathering place for an evening cocktail.
In this outdoor space, the firetable is a focal point that blends in with the warm wood tones of the deck. Made of Corten steel, a material prized for its no-fuss oxidized finish, the firetable will age gracefully over time.
A manicured shrub or hedge increases air flow and sunlight for healthier, lusher plants. Careful pruning also conveys a sharp, professional effect that looks high-end. A mix of Japanese maple and boxwood soften the hard lines of this home, to form a gradual crescendo up to the front door.
Having spots to gather are key to purposeful outdoor spaces. In this home, a charming wicker bench and armchairs allow for meals to be enjoyed and memories to be made on the terrace.
Oversize planters make a statement with their scale. In this Toronto backyard, a striking Arctic willow can overwinter in this generous pot, which provides plenty of room for roots to thrive.
The designers of this condo, Curtis Elmy and Trevor Ciona, kept the look tailored with dark stone tables and black upholstery accented by crisp white piping to match the buildings’ sleek, mirrored exterior and railings.
Even sun worshippers need a cool place to retreat at high noon. Structures like pergolas or umbrellas provide respite from the summer heat and let the breeze flow freely on this pool deck.